5 winter vacation spots: DIY vs package deal costs

Updated: 30 Nov 2018, 10:12 AM IST

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The perfect winter breaks

December is just around the corner and it's time to firm up your winter holiday plans. You could be torn between wanting to do it all yourself or opting for the much more convenient but expensive package deals from travel websites.

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DIY vs packaged deals

We recommend the DIY approach as it lets you build your own itinerary and helps save money on those package activities that you may not find too interesting.

We have shortlisted five sought-after winter destinations-Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala, Gujarat and Kashmir-and charted out an extensive expense plan for each. The total budget has been calculated by taking into account all major expenses like transport from Delhi, 3-star accommodation, local commute and food, for two people.

Text: Shipra Singh/ ET Bureau

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Goa

We have picked the costliest options for calculating the budget. You can cut down the total expense up to 15% by opting for cheaper alternatives. We have picked the option of cab for sightseeing, which will cost around Rs 9,000. Instead of taking a taxi, you can hire a self-driven bike for about Rs 3,000, which is also the preferred option of most tourists. For accommodation, you can save a total of Rs 6,000 by staying in a hotel slightly away from the beach. Dedicate a day each to explore North, South and Old Goa. Dine at beach side shacks for lip smacking seafood at cheaper rates.

4N/5D Rs 61,000

How to reachBy air Rs 25,000 is return airfare from DelhiBy train Rs 14,200 is return fare to Madgaon

StayOn the beach Rs 5,000 per nightAway from the beach Rs 3,500 per night

Kerala

We have worked out an itinerary that starts and ends at Kochi, and you get to spend two nights in Munnar, one night in the jungles of Thekkady and one night in the backwaters of Alleppey. Hiring a cab for the entire trip would be convenient but expensive. Alternatively, all the places are well connected by state transport buses and trains.

4N/5D Rs 53,000

How to reachBy air Rs 26,000 is return airfare to KochiBy train Rs 16,000 is return train fare to Kochi and back from Alleppey (45 hours one-way journey)

StayMunnar Rs 6,000 for two nightsThekkady Rs 1,800 per nightAlleppy Rs 2,200 per night at hotel or Rs 8,000 for houseboat

Rajasthan

We have opted for two nights in Jaipur, one night in Jodhpur and two nights in Jaisalmer. It is better to take a train from Delhi to Jaipur as the distance is short. However, for the return journey, you can take a flight from Jodhpur to Delhi. We recommend staying at least one night in a desert camp in Jaisalmer. If you take a package, it will include camel rides and meals.

5N/6D Rs 51,000

How to reachBy air Rs 3,400 is airfare from Delhi to Jaipur. Jodhpur to Delhi airfare is Rs 8,400By train Delhi to Jaipur in Rs 1,550 (Shatabdi). Jaisalmer to Delhi in Rs 3,600 (2AC)By Bus: Delhi to Jaipur for Rs 1,300 (AC). Jaisalmer to Delhi via Jodhpur in Rs 2,100 (AC)

StayJaipur Rs 6,000 for two nightsJodhpur Rs 2,500 per nightJaisalmer Rs 8,000 for two nights (Rs 5,500 a night in desert tent + Rs 2,500 a night in hotel)

Gujarat

While most parts of Gujarat can be explored round the year, December is the best time to visit the Rann of Kutch. We have included a one night stay in Bhuj for you to explore the nearby ruined city of Dholavira or the beach city of Mandvi on the first day. We recommend taking the Rann Utsav package for your stay in Kutch as it will include cab transfers from and to Bhuj airport/railway station and complimentary sightseeing in Bhuj on the last day.

Kashmir

We have limited the itinerary only to Gulmarg as it hosts skiing, sledging, snow scooter etc and gondola rides. Also, it witnesses more snowfall compared to other parts of Kashmir. We don't recommend taking a cab for the entire trip as Gulmarg is a small town which can be covered on foot.